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| Dr. Billie Jo Jones |
Full Name: Dr. Billie Jo Jones
Born: December 10, 1927, Murfreesboro, Ark.
Died: February 7, 2021, Tallahassee, Fla.
Legacy Bricks: Legacy Walk Map Link
1998 Coach HOF - Loc 19
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| FSU Career |
| Coaches & Administrators | |
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| Member of the FSU Hall of Fame |
| Elected into the FSU Hall of Fame in 1998 |
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As head coach of the Lady Seminole volleyball (1970, 1972-75) and softball (1971, 1972-74) programs, Dr. Billie Jones played a major role in paving the way for the success of women's intercollegiate
athletics at Florida State University. Dr. Jones earned her Ph.D. from Florida State in 1972 and began serving as an Associate Professor in the Department of Movement Science and Physical Education in addition to her coaching duties. Under Dr. Jones' direction, the volleyball program compiled a remarkable 107-22 record and made appearances at the AIWA National Championship Tournament in 1973, 1974, and 1975 while competing for state and regional championships along the way. Dr. Jones also coached the 1971 softball team to the state championship and the 1974 squad to a runner-up finish. Dr. Jones devoted herself to teaching full-time in 1975, but continued to be instrumental in the advancement of women's athletics at Florida State. Her selection as the 1982 Herb Morgan Award winner recognized her service and dedication to FSU's women's athletics. In 1985, Dr. Jones became a Service Professor in the Department of Movement Science and Physical Education and in 1989, she was honored with the distinction of Professor Emerita. Among her many accomplishments, Dr. Jones has also co-authored four books on coaching and fitness. A scholarship by an anonymous donor, given in
the name of Dr. Jones, is awarded annually in the College of Education to a female student who intends to coach. Dr. Jones' vision, dedication and persistence are one of the reasons that Florida State
athletics has become one of the nation's top overall programs. Obituary for Dr. Billie Jo Jones In memoriam: Dr. Billie Jones played major role building women's athletics at Florida State. Published in the Tallahassee Democrat on February 8, 2021 By Jim Henry Dr. Billie Jones, who played an instrumental role in the advancement of women's athletics at Florida State, didn't coach for money or fame. "What really strikes me is Dr. Jones was a connector," said former FSU volleyball coach Cecile Reynaud. "She was the connector before social media. You always knew what was going on with everybody. Her network was so far and wide." Jones died Sunday evening following a stroke at a local hospital. She was 93. Jones, known for her work ethic, passion and zest for sports, led by example when it came to promoting and supporting women's athletics. She earned her Ph.D from FSU in 1971 and served as an Associate Professor in the Department of Movement Science and Physical Education, in addition to coaching. Dr. Billie Jones throwing out ceremonial first pitch at an FSU softball game in 2000. Jones coached FSU volleyball (1970, 1972-75) and softball (1971, 1972-74). She led the volleyball team to a 107-22 mark, punctuated by appearances in the AIWA National Championship Tournament in 1973, 1974, and 1975. Jones also coached the 1971 softball team to the state championship and the 1974 squad to a runner-up finish. "She was a great mentor to me," said JoAnne Graf, a player under Jones in 1971-72 who later became the program's head coach. "She believed in the idea of excellence in women and being the best you can be and really being successful. She pushed for funding equity, coaching equity and also contributed financially through the years as well. "She was a great lady, so down to earth. She cared about people beyond the field, and that is so enduring." Volleyball, coached by Martha Pat Moore, was the first women's intercollegiate sport for the Seminoles in 1968. She gave way to Jones, who was followed by Reynaud in 1976. Even when Jones devoted herself to teaching full-time in 1975, she continued to support women's athletics - and all sports - at FSU. Jones' selection as the 1982 Herb Morgan Award winner recognized her service to FSU's women's athletics. A scholarship by an anonymous donor - given in the name of Jones - is awarded annually in the College of Education to a female student who intends to coach. She was inducted into FSU's Hall of Fame in 1998 and played key roles in the Varsity Club. Jones also stayed active later in life, participating in the Senior Games. "I am thinking of a nice word for stubbornness," Reynaud said. "If she believed in something, she would not take no for an answer. She went to all the games, attended all the events. Dr. Jones definitely was a true Seminole." Emotions ran high throughout the Florida State softball team as Coach Lonni Alameda tells the audience "this is the last time this team will be together in the same room". Jones' direction, leadership and mentorship helped lead FSU women's athletics from humble beginnings to the department's championship success. FSU women have won seven national titles over the last five decades, while athletics features more than 200 student-athletes in 11 women's programs. "She was so knowledgeable, and always so encouraging," FSU women's golf coach Amy Bond said. "She always wanted to know how you were doing as a person, how the girls were doing, were they getting everything they needed. If we needed a hug, she gave us one and if we were successful, she was one of the first to congratulate us." Added Vanessa Fuchs, FSU's Senior Associate Athletics Director and Senior Women Administrator and former Seminole basketball player: "Dr. Jones was one of those women who just had a very clear vision. ... she understood the types of skills and qualities you gained as a woman student-athlete. She loved to share the stories with our student-athletes so they had a perspective on how far we've come." In an interview with FSU's Unconquered Magazine in 2018, Jones said she wouldn't trade her experiences. However, she added, "I think if I had it to do over, I'd like to be a little wiser … and I'd like to be better at speaking out." Jones also explained that funding for women's athletics came from Student Government funds, saying, "Volleyball did get the first scholarship. I think it was a leftover football scholarship but it went to a player from New Jersey." David Coburn, FSU's athletics director, shared his respect for Jones and acknowledged her far-reaching impact on FSU athletics, and beyond. "She was a pioneer in fighting for intercollegiate athletics for women not only at FSU, but nationally," Coburn said. "Hers is one of the faces I reflect on when one of our women's teams wins a championship. I have watched so many women, from professional women to student-athletes, react to her presence with such incredible respect and admiration. "Her leadership and
dedication will be missed by all she touched in her long association with FSU." Remembering Dr. Billie Jo Jones Published in the Osceola Written by FSU sports information in Women's sports Dr. Billie Jo Jones, died on February 7, 2021, at Tallahassee Memorial Hospital following a short illness. She remained energetic, active and engaged in life throughout her 93 years. Born in Murfreesboro, Arkansas, on December 10, 1927, Billie was the youngest of nine children born to Carrie Risner and Thomas Jefferson Jones. True to form Billie was the most stubborn child of the family outliving all her siblings even though several lived comfortably past their 100th birthdays. As a child and into adulthood, Billie had a love for, played and enjoyed many sports excelling in high school basketball and volleyball. At Arkansas Teachers College (now University of Central Arkansas) she played tennis and graduated from Arkansas State with a BSE in 1949. She also coached Girls' Basketball and Softball while attaining her degree in the Murfreesboro School District. Billie continued to teach as an Instructor of Physical Education at the University of Arkansas and later at Drury College while working on her M. S. degree in 1952. She also taught in the North Kansas School District and served as coach of the Women's Volleyball and Track and Field teams at Oklahoma State University. Billie rose from Instructor to Associate Professor while pursuing graduate credits at Oklahoma State and the University of Oregon. In order to complete her doctoral studies Billie came to Florida State University as a Graduate Assistant and coached the Women's Volleyball and Softball teams in the early years of Women's Athletics. After receiving her Ph. D. at FSU, Dr. Jones joined the FSU faculty as Associate Professor of Physical Education and was later promoted to Professor. In addition to her teaching responsibilities Dr. Jones served as Head Coach of the FSU Women's Varsity Softball team from 1971-74 and also the Women's Varsity Volleyball team from 1972 - 1976. Billie took on these extra duties for little to no pay assuring young women of the opportunity for quality coaching in the early years of varsity athletics for women at FSU. Her teams at FSU collected numerous awards and titles including state and regional championships and multiple national appearances. In addition to teaching and coaching, Dr. Jones published books, articles and presented papers on a variety of sport/physical education topics, served on student doctoral committees, high school and college accreditation committees, was a member of the Faculty Senate, advised the Physical Education Majors Club and served as the Intern Placement Coordinator for Graduate Studies in Physical Education.Billie also held numerous positions in multiple professional organizations. In 1985, Dr. Jones became a Service Professor in the Department of Movement Science and Physical Education and in 1989 she was honored with the distinction of Professor Emerita. In recognition of her many accomplishments, a scholarship by an anonymous donor, given in the name of Dr. Jones, is awarded annually in the College of Education to a female student who intends to teach and coach. Dr. Jones devoted herself to teaching full time in 1975 but continued to be instrumental in the advancement of women's athletics at Florida State. After "retiring" from coaching and passing the torch to a new generation of women coaches at FSU, Dr. Jones continued to support the athletes and coaches of the women's teams and to push for equal opportunity and quality in women's athletics. In 1998 she was instrumental and an active participant in the establishment of the "Committee of Thirty" at FSU to build a tradition of excellence in women's athletics. Billie served on the Board of Directors of the FSU Varsity Club and was recognized as an outstanding FSU coach by her induction into the FSU Athletics Hall of Fame in 1998. Since retirement from the university, Dr. Jones has continued to support and encourage students and athletes to come back and give back to Florida State. She has mentored students, athletes and coaches through the years while actively supporting all the women's sports teams with her interest and attendance at games, meets, tournaments and recognitions. In concert with Dr. Janet Wells and the Seminole Boosters, Billie helped create the "Femina Perfecta" recognition for women athletes to recognize individual excellence in life skills as well as sport. In 2005 as a response to this and with such a loyal following of students, a Jones and Wells Legacy celebration weekend was planned and over 100 students returned to campus to honor Billie Jones and Jan Wells. The event raised $350,000 to endow a new athletic scholarship named "Femina Perfecta." Of all her abilities and accomplishments, Dr. Jones' "superpower" was evidenced in her ability to stay actively involved with hundreds of students through the years as the teacher, coach, mentor and friend who cared and connected them back to FSU. Dr. Jones was predeceased by her
parents and eight siblings and is survived by her close colleague and companion, Dr. Jan Wells, multiple nieces and nephews, numerous great nieces and nephews, many friends and colleagues and
literally hundreds of devoted students and mentees. |
| FSU Statistics |
She cared deeply about her players - and people - beyond the field, according to friends. And, even as the decades
passed, Jones was a financial supporter and familiar face at Seminole athletics events.